Matt Smith wins NTAs best Drama Performance for Doctor Who

The former Time Lord beat off competition from Martin Clunes, Miranda Hart and Maggie Smith at the viewer-voted awards

Doctor Who star Matt Smith has scooped the best drama performance gong at this year's National Television Awards.

Smith won out in a category that also included Doc Martin's Martin Clunes, Call the Midwife's Miranda Hart and Downton Abbey's Maggie Smith.

It was a fitting way to mark his four-year stint as the Time Lord, which ended with an emotional farewell at Christmas when he regenerated into Peter Capaldi's new incarnation.

Smith was unable to be there in person as he was on stage elsewhere, starring in West End musical American Psycho, but his Doctor Who co-star Jenna Coleman and showrunner Steven Moffat accepted the award on his behalf, adding that Smith would be posting a video message to thank viewers for voting.

The star-studded ceremony was hosted by Dermot O'Leary and broadcast live on ITV from London's O2 Arena.